Of Mice and Men: Chapters 3–4

by John Steinbeck
Set during the Great Depression, Steinbeck's classic novel tells the story of shrewd, scheming George and loyal, childlike Lennie. The two farm workers dream of owning their own land but must struggle merely to survive.

Here are links to our lists for the novel: Chapters 1–2, Chapters 3–4, Chapters 5–6

Here are links to our lists for other works by John Steinbeck: The Pearl, East of Eden, Cannery Row, The Grapes of Wrath, Travels with Charley
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. derision
    contemptuous laughter
    Through the open door came the thuds and occasional clangs of a horseshoe game, and now and then the sound of voices raised in approval or derision.
  2. receptive
    ready or willing to welcome favorably
    He wanted to talk. Slim neither encouraged nor discouraged him. He just sat back quiet and receptive.
  3. rheumatism
    any painful disorder of the joints or muscles
    “He’s all stiff with rheumatism. He ain’t no good to you, Candy. An’ he ain’t no good to himself. Why’n’t you shoot him, Candy?”
  4. reprehensible
    bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure
    When Candy spoke they both jumped as though they had been caught doing something reprehensible.
  5. cower
    show submission or fear
    He crouched cowering against the wall.
  6. fawning
    attempting to win favor by flattery
    Lennie gulped and his smile grew more fawning.
  7. indignation
    a feeling of righteous anger
    She was breathless with indignation.
  8. avert
    turn away or aside
    For a moment she stood over him as though waiting for him to move so that she could whip at him again; but Crooks sat perfectly still, his eyes averted, everything that might be hurt drawn in.
  9. appraise
    estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of
    She appraised him coolly.
  10. crestfallen
    brought low in spirit
    Candy was crestfallen.
Created on Mon Aug 11 22:52:07 EDT 2014 (updated Thu Jun 26 18:40:29 EDT 2025)

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